FIRST AID TRAINING IN FOSTER CARE: A LIFE SAVING SKILL
Below is a recounting of an experience from one of our foster carers, Shaheen, on how first aid training became a vital lifeline for the child they were caring for.
I have been a foster carer with Kasper Fostering for over 7 years. Fortunately, I had completed a first aid training course, which was essential and helpful for me when I had a significant situation that was life-threatening for G, who is only 2 years old.
A Real-Life Experience Of First Aid In Foster Care
On 14th October, I picked up G from contact with her parents. I noticed that G had a bad cough and a blocked nose; she seemed tired and quiet compared to how she usually is. I laid her down in her cot, and I could hear her wheezing; it seemed like she was finding it hard to breathe.
I checked her temperature, and it was very high. I called her several times by her name, and there was no response. She became unresponsive, which was really frightening. I knew something was really wrong, so I immediately called the emergency services. All this happened so quickly!
I picked up G, and she was still unresponsive and seemed like she wasn’t breathing. I had the phone on loudspeaker and spoke to the lady on the other end - she was brilliant. I was asked to lay G down to check if she was breathing. I checked if her chest was moving, but it wasn’t; I had to do something straight away. Thank god I learned so much with the first aid training that gave me more confidence in knowing what to do.
I was asked to lay G on her back and tap her on her collarbone to see if she would respond, but there was still no response. Then, I was asked to put one hand in the centre of her chest, aiming for the breastbone, and push down on her chest 30 times.
I followed all the instructions, then I was asked to do mouth-to-mouth CPR. I had only practised this on a plastic dummy in the first aid course!
The ambulance arrived shortly after, and they gave her steroid liquid formula orally, which helped her respond, and she seemed a little more awake.
The ambulance crew said she was so lucky that I knew how to do CPR; this saved her life, as she could have died. G was taken to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with croup and swiftly recovered.
Croup refers to an infection of the upper airway, which becomes narrow, making it harder to breathe.
I feel so relieved to have completed my first aid course with Kasper Fostering, that’s how I was able to act in an emergency to save G’s life.
Lifesaving Course For Foster Carers
Six months earlier, I experienced another major incident with G when she began choking on a grape I had cut up for her. She couldn’t breathe and struggled to cough it out but couldn’t manage. Acting quickly, I stood behind her, placed my arms under hers around her upper abdomen, clenched one fist between her navel and ribs, grasped it with my other hand, and pulled sharply inwards and upwards to dislodge the grape. Suddenly, it came out, and she could breathe normally again. Without my first aid training, I wouldn’t have known how to handle the situation!
Taking all the lifesaving courses that Kasper Fostering has made available to me is crucial. I will continue doing other courses that benefit the children in my care.
Fostering With Kasper
Just like the children in our care, foster carers can come from all different backgrounds and walks of life.
Can you provide a loving and safe home environment and have a dedication to changing a child’s life for the better?
Kasper Fostering Head Office
London Office
Essex Office
Kasper Fostering Head Office
London Office
Essex Office
Clarendon House,
21/23 Elmfield Road,
Bromley BR1 1LT
Telephone: 020 8315 6666
Unit 5,
Barleylands Equestrian Centre,
Whites Farm, Barleylands Road,
Basildon, Essex SS15 4BG